Mogherini and Hahn call on Albanian parties to complete formation of vetting bodies

BRUSSELS – The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, and the Commissioner for the European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, have expressed their regret for the parliamentary boycott in Albania and that the opposition has not yet registered to participate in the elections.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, Mogherini and Hahn noted that political debate should not take place outside, but inside the parliament according to democratic practise. Citizens deserve responsible leadership.

“Citizens deserve a responsible leadership. We once again urge all political leaders to act responsibly, with respect for institutions, and pave the way for democratic elections, in line with international standards,” EU senior officials said in their statement.

Mogherini and Hahn put emphasis on the much needed justice reform in Albania, which has once again come under attack by the opposition.

“We call on all parties to complete the formation of the vetting institutions. Attacking the judicial reform rather than ensuring implementation of vetting, with close monitoring of the International Monitoring Operation, harms Albania’s present and future,” the statement reads.

“We expect that Members of the Parliament will show responsibility, capacity to act within the democratic legitimate institutional framework, and that they stand by the people of Albania, who continue to demand that the vetting is launched and the judiciary eventually reformed, also as a crucial step for the country to join the European Union,” the statement concluded.

European Western Balkans is a web portal that focuses on the WB countries and reports on development of the EU’s enlargement policy. The portal is launched in 2014 by the Centre for Contemporary Politics.

European Western Balkans is a web portal that focuses on the WB countries and reports on development of the EU’s enlargement policy. The portal is launched in 2014 by the Centre for Contemporary Politics.